Before, Zetsubou-sensei said like 人は本筋以外のところが気になるものなのです[Anything else but the main point actually interests people]. That might be true. Come to think of it, I have seen something like that a lot. The more characters, the more popular other supporting characters would be. Even get more popular than a lead character. Of course, doujin fans sure create countless stories with their own favorite characters from the series, however, when a certain character(not a lead) gets very popular there would be a spin-off story or work…That is 外伝[gaiden] or 外伝もの[gaidenmono] or side story.

We say 二次創作[nijisousaku] to mean such a fan-made story, but unlike this, 外伝would require an agreeable storyline for the sheer fans. Besides, it ought to unveil something that is supposed to be veiled in the main plot. For example, in the main story, the character was an enemy and died in the battle. But his fans would like to know why he was an enemy and what had happened before he showed. Focused on the character, another story begins…that is 外伝もの[gaidenmono]. It is not uncommon that 外伝 gets more popular than the main story. Speaking of 外伝, I can definitely think of L change the World, which is a spin-off film of Death Note. Needless to say, this film focuses on L, and features another story. Neither Light nor Misamisa shows, so that means it can spare much time for L. His fans are as happy as can be…

My favorite 外伝 is Trunks the Story[トランクス・ザ・ストーリー～たったひとりの戦士] in Dragon Ball. In the main plot, Trunks comes from the future world to save Goku because Goku is supposed to be dead out there. Android no.17 and no.18 massacre people, so that is why Trunks tries to save Goku who is going to die from heart disease. Trunks is not such a big part, but the side story is really nice. It clearly shows what had happened to Trunks before he showed, and features what he had experienced…how pathetic the world he had been in…Because there are basically a few characters in the side story, it could unfold the story more. In fact, there are just Trunks, Bulma, and Gohan most of the times in the episode.

Oh speaking of which, if you follow Ace Attorny[逆転裁判], you would be sure of 逆転検事[gyakuten kenji], which features Prosecutor Mitsurugi Reiji[御剣怜侍]. This time, the lead is him! I wonder how many his fangirls are screaming in joy? Actually, I prefer him than Naruhodo-kun.^^ I bet this upcoming game would do better than the previous series.

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Ōkami-Senseisaid,

Miles Edgeworth/Mitsurugi Reiji is my favorite! Side stories can often be better than the original, perhaps because the characters are already established – the writer only has to think about the story. L Change the WorLd was so much better than the Death Note movies (but perhaps not the animation), and I prefer Light!

goodyfunsaid,

I think it depends on the skills of the writer, if this happens or not. If the writer is very good, usually the lead character will shine like a star, such as Bartimaeus of the Bartimaeus Trilogy. If the writer makes a very bland lead character, usually the little guy will be more interesting in comparison. I don’t know why this is such a trend, but it could be in part because a minor character often times has more quirks.

子犬said,

Oh! I have been told that a character like that would be called an “Ensemble Darkhorse”. They are always my favorites. ^^ And I remember Trunks. I think I liked him very much, then. Think about that show makes me a little nostalgic. I remember my male classmates were impressed that I watched it! “Ist es wahr?” They would say like it was some big deal!

banginsaid,

Okami-sensei: Yes I really like Edgeworth/Mitsurugi. Since I have played Ace Attorny, I know how he was raised and why he became a prosecutor. But the story is so deep that a side story should come. And it’s going to come true. I should buy it.

Oh Bulma!

goodyfun: I think it would be more interesting if J.K.Rowling made a side stroy for Harry’s real parents(if you don’t follow Potter novel, I am sorry).

子犬: I was still a kid at that time…but I watched it again and again. Because it was far better than the main plot in which endless kamehameha came out.

goodyfunsaid,

The parents in Harry Potter are some of the most popular ensemble darkhorses in the series for sure. I hear they there is lots of fan fiction based on them. Although it will not be published for the public, J.K. Rowling made a prequel that was auctioned for charity. It wasn’t serious, though. Only for fun. She swears there will be no more Harry Potter, but I’m satisfied enough.